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Alberta Aviation Museum – Fly Back in Time

Did you know that the grounds of the Alberta Aviation Museum in Edmonton had a part in World War II?

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The hangar was built in the early 1940s as part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. Today, it’s one of the few such remaining hangars in existence. You can still see the original beams that were cut in British Columbia and shipped to Edmonton. In fact, despite a few safety and modernization upgrades, much of the hangar is original, allowing guests to step back in time… and what a journey it is when you step inside!

The museum contains more than 30 of Canada’s most iconic aircrafts, lovingly restored in what has been, for some of them, a multi-year process. Check out the amphibious Vickers Viking IV, a plane that played vital roles in Northern Canadian exploration and military use during World War I. You can visit the Barkley-Grow T8P-1, an aluminium aircraft preferred by Edmonton’s own Grant McConachie, an exceptional bush pilot that liked the Barkley’s modification of interchanging the landing gear with skis and floats. Of course, no visit is complete without a trip to see the Lockheed TF-104G Starfighter (restored as Canadair CF-104D), a sleek fighter jet that is as exciting to look at as it must have been to fly.

The museum includes historical archives where photos, documents, uniforms, artifacts, blueprints and more are on display. Through the archives, guests learn more about Alberta’s aviation history, and the importance of Blatchford Field.

In addition to showcasing aircrafts and artifacts, Alberta Aviation Museum is a venue for events and photographers. It is one of the most affordable and unique venues in the city, and is perfect for small, socially distanced weddings, engagement photo shoots, and family portraits. A historic airplane hangar can be rented (with COVID-19 restrictions in place) for larger events.

All good things must come to an end, which is how you’ll feel when your visit to the museum is over, but you can take a part of the experience home by visiting the on-site gift shop. Take home the perfect memento – a t-shirt, a buildable plane model, a book, cool aviator shades – to remind you of the time you explored history at the Alberta Aviation Museum.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the museum can be safety enjoyed by following these new protocols:

  • New hours include opening Thursday through Sunday for timed entry to allow no more than 50 in the museum at a time
  • Tickets are purchased online – check the website for an open time slot
  • Masks are required inside the museum at all time
  • Exhibits where distancing cannot safety be assured (flight simulator, interactive exhibits, etc.) are temporarily closed
  • Guests are asked to respect the staff and other visitors at all times by social distancing

The museum is helping everyone have access to Alberta’s aviation history despite the pandemic. Currently in development are adaptations of some of their programs that will be delivered online. Also, family drop-in kits on Saturdays and Sundays are now available.

The arrival of COVID-19 has impacted the Alberta Aviation Museum’s ability to serve its usual large crowds and conduct educational school tours. Guests are invited to help support the museum during these times by purchasing a membership or giving a cash donation, both of which can be done online. Tax receipts are provided for donations of $25 or more.

The Alberta Aviation Museum is an absolute gem in the city, and an important part of the province’s history. It’s the prefect outing for a family day-trip, a date, or even some downtime alone in an engaging setting. If you have yet to visit, put this place on your to-do list. If you have already visited, it’s time to do so again. The magic of aviation never grows old. Learn more by visiting https://www.albertaaviationmuseum.com/

SPONSORED CONTENT: This Content is made possible by our Sponsor; it is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.

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